Top 10 venmo scams – and how to stay safe

What is Venmo

Venmo is a mobile payment app that allows users to easily send and receive money to friends and family. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices, and can be used to make payments for a wide range of purposes, including splitting a dinner bill, paying rent, or sending money to a friend.

Venmo works by linking to a user’s bank account or credit/debit card. Once the account is linked, users can send and receive money using the app. Users can also add a personal note to transactions, making it easy to keep track of what the payment was for.

One of the unique features of Venmo is its social aspect. The app allows users to view their friends’ transactions and make comments on them, which can be a fun way to share money with friends and keep track of who paid for what.

Venmo also offers users the ability to transfer the money they receive to their bank account or credit/debit card. This can take a few days and there are fees attached to the transfer but it makes it easy for users to access the money they receive through the app.

Venmo is a widely used and convenient tool for peer-to-peer payments, it’s easy to use, and its social aspect makes it a fun way to share money with friends and family. However, as with any online platform, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and to use the app safely by following the security best practices.

Scams you should be aware of

There are several types of scams that users should be aware of when using Venmo. Here are some common scams to watch out for:

1. Phishing scams: Scammers may send fake emails or text messages that appear to be from Venmo, asking for personal information or login credentials.
2. Impersonation scams: Scammers may create fake accounts using the names and photos of real people, and then ask for money.
3. Payment for goods or services: Be wary of anyone requesting payment for goods or services through Venmo, as scammers may take your money and not deliver the promised item.
4. Overpayment scams: Scammers may overpay for an item, and then ask for a refund of the overpayment.
5. Lottery or sweepstakes scams: Scammers may contact you through Venmo, claiming that you’ve won a lottery or sweepstakes, and then ask for personal information or money to claim your prize.
6. Job offer scams: Scammers may offer you a job through Venmo, and then ask for money to cover expenses or training fees.
7. Travel scams: Scammers may use Venmo to book fake travel arrangements, and then take your money and not deliver the promised trip.
8. Charity scams: Scammers may use Venmo to solicit donations for fake charities.
9. Investment scams: Scammers may use Venmo to solicit investment in fake companies or schemes.
10. Tech support scams: Scammers may use Venmo to offer fake tech support services, and then ask for personal information or money.

It’s important to be aware of these types of scams and to always be cautious when responding to unsolicited messages, only send money to people you know and trust, and never provide personal information or money upfront. If you suspect a scam, report it to Venmo immediately.

How to stay safe from venmo scams

Staying safe on Venmo involves being cautious with personal information and transactions, and following best practices for online security. Here are some tips to help you stay safe on Venmo:

1. Keep your password and login information secure: Create a strong and unique password, and never share it with anyone. Avoid using public Wi-Fi when logging into your Venmo account.
2. Be wary of unsolicited messages: Be cautious when responding to messages from unknown senders, and never provide personal information or money in response to an unsolicited message.
3. Only send money to people you know and trust: Only send money to people you have a personal relationship with, and be wary of sending money to people you’ve only met online.
4. Watch out for scams: Be aware of common scams, such as phishing attempts and overpayment scams, and report any suspicious activity to Venmo.
5. Keep your app up to date: Regularly update your Venmo app to ensure that you have the latest security features and bug fixes.
6. Use two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your account. This will require you to enter a code sent to your mobile device or email address in addition to your password.
7. Be careful when linking bank accounts or credit/debit cards: Be sure to only link bank accounts and credit/debit cards that you own and trust, and be sure to monitor your account for any unauthorized transactions.
8. Use privacy settings: Make sure that your Venmo account is set to private, so that your transactions are not visible to people you don’t know.
9. Do not post sensitive information: Avoid posting sensitive information on Venmo such as your social security number, financial information, or personal address.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from potential risks and use Venmo safely. Remember, always be vigilant and if you suspect a scam, report it to Venmo immediately.